Coconut Basket boat, City tour, Boat ride, Night market from DN

Traveling through Vietnam, especially in the charming town of Hoi An, offers a blend of cultural sights, delicious food, and authentic local encounters. This particular tour, priced at $39 per person, promises a taste of all that — from floating on the famed Bay Mau Coconut Forest in bamboo baskets to wandering the vibrant night market. While we haven’t been on this tour ourselves, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it combines hands-on activities like bamboo basket boat riding, with a culinary journey through local dishes. Second, it offers a more intimate look at Hoi An’s hidden gems, far from the typical tourist trail. Third, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making even the busiest spots feel personal.

The one consideration? The admission fee for Hoi An itself isn’t included, so it’s worth budgeting an extra 120,000 VND. Plus, the tour’s group size is limited to 12, which helps keep it cozy but may fill up quickly—so booking in advance is advised.

If you’re seeking a balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and unique experiences, this tour hits most of the marks. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy interactive sightseeing, love trying local foods, and appreciate a good story behind every site.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences include bamboo basket boat rides and a lantern release.
• All food tastings are included, featuring local favorites like cau lau noodles, spring rolls, banh mi, and pancakes.
• The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and safer exploration.
• Guides like Ting and others are highly praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Visiting Hoi An Ancient Town offers a glimpse of its unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture.
• The tour includes a visit to a local home, where you can try authentic home-cooked fare.
• The sunset rooftop drink provides a relaxing moment with a great view of the city.
• The lantern release on the river creates a memorable, postcard-worthy finale.

Discovering the Highlights: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is designed to maximize your time and immerse you in local life. Several features attract attention:

Included: Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, bamboo basket boat rides through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, an English-speaking guide, dinner, bottled water, a long-tail boat ride, and the lantern release on the river.

Not Included: The entry fee for Hoi An (120,000 VND) needs to be paid separately. Tips are optional but appreciated, especially for guides who go above and beyond. During public holidays like September 2nd or late December, an additional fee of 100,000 VND per person applies, which is worth noting for planning.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect at Each Stop

Hoi An Ancient Town (2 hours)

This stop provides the perfect introduction to the town’s fascinating architecture and cultural mix. You’ll see the Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences that give Hoi An its distinctive charm. Though the admission fee isn’t included, many reviewers mention this is a highlight, especially for its vivid streets and historical buildings.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest (1 hour)

One of the tour’s most beloved activities is paddling through the water coconut forest in traditional bamboo basket boats. As one reviewer pointed out, “The coconut baskets were a fun experience,” and the way guides dance the boats around adds a lively touch. This part feels both authentic and playful, perfect for photo ops or just soaking in the scenery.

Hoi An Night Market (1 hour)

The vibrant night market is a sensory delight—full of local foods, crafts, and lively chatter. Visitors enjoy wandering through, trying different snacks, and browsing souvenirs. One reviewer described it as “a great way to see Hoi An safely and discover hidden gems most tours miss,” highlighting how the market feels genuinely local rather than tourist-heavy.

Evening Activities

As the tour winds down, you’ll enjoy a sunset drink at a rooftop café, offering views over the illuminated town—a moment of relaxation before the evening’s magic. Then, the lantern release on the Hoai River is the tour’s heartfelt finale, providing a beautiful, cultural experience that many find unforgettable.

Authentic Food Tastings: Why They Matter

One of the tour’s standout features is the all-inclusive food tastings. You’ll sample cau lau noodles, a local specialty made with fresh herbs and thick noodles, along with crispy spring rolls, flavorful banh mi, and traditional pancakes. These foods are not just fillers but are representative of Hoi An’s culinary identity, often prepared using recipes passed down through generations.

Reviewers have praised the food, noting “fabulous” flavors and a good vegetarian menu option. Having these dishes included means you won’t need to hunt down restaurants afterward, and you get to taste the real local flavors in a relaxed setting.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $39, this tour packs a lot into a 7-hour experience. The price includes most of the highlights—cultural sights, interactive activities, delicious food, and scenic moments like lantern releases and sunset drinks. When you consider the guided commentary, personalized group size, and the chance to explore Hoi An beyond the usual spots, it’s an excellent deal.

The reviews support this: travelers mention it’s “well-organized” and “worth the money,” with guides like Ting earning praise for their helpfulness and storytelling. The inclusion of activities like a traditional lantern release and a local home visit really adds a memorable touch that sets this tour apart from more generic offerings.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participating

• Book early — on average, most travelers reserve about 36 days in advance, likely due to limited spots.
• Budget for the entrance fee — don’t forget to set aside 120,000 VND for Hoi An’s entry fee.
• Wear comfortable clothing — especially for the basket boat ride and walking around the town.
• Bring a camera — the lantern release and sunset views are photogenic moments.
• Arrive with an open mind — guides are eager to share stories, and the experience is as much about local culture as sightseeing.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for interactive, authentic encounters with Vietnamese culture. It’s ideal for those who enjoy food tasting, scenic boat rides, and small group settings that foster genuine connection. Families, couples, or solo travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day exploring Hoi An’s charms will find this tour especially rewarding.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking high-adrenaline adventures or strict schedules, as some activities may be leisurely or weather-dependent. Also, those wanting unrestricted access to Hoi An’s sights might prefer exploring independently, but for a guided overview with local insights, this tour hits the spot.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Hoi An’s magical atmosphere, combining cultural exploration, scenic boat rides, and delicious local cuisine. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it feel intimate, while the variety of activities keeps the experience engaging.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and enjoy trying local foods will find this tour a fantastic value, especially considering the included activities and scenic moments like lantern releases and sunset drinks. The focus on genuine interaction, combined with the fun of bamboo basket riding, makes it a memorable way to connect with Vietnam’s heritage.

If you’re after a balanced, immersive day in Hoi An—without the hassle of planning every detail—this tour is a strong contender. It’s especially suited for those wanting authentic, fun, and photo-worthy moments, all wrapped into a budget-friendly package.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off service, making it easy to start and end your day without worry.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 7 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 12, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.

Are all food tastings included?
Yes, all the local food samples, including cau lau noodles, spring rolls, banh mi, and pancakes, are included in the price.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, the entrance fee for Hoi An (120,000 VND) is not included and needs to be paid separately.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the menu includes options for vegetarians, and reviewers have noted that the food was enjoyable even for non-meat eaters.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and sitting in boats is recommended, along with sun protection if visiting during the day.

Is there any age restriction?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those able to enjoy walking, boat rides, and tasting local foods.

This tour combines the charm of Hoi An’s streets, the fun of traditional boat riding, and the flavor of local cuisine—offering a balanced, memorable day for those eager to soak up Vietnamese culture authentically.